The Pleasures of Reading Scott Fitzgerald

Ref: C2225380

On the day that he died Scott Fitzgerald was a screenwriter in Hollywood with only a single credit to his name. The novels for which we know him were for the most part already forgotten. But how had this happened? Why had his readers abandoned him? And why have they returned? This is the story which we shall hope to unfold together.

Course aim

The formal aim of this course is to consider the later novels of F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Do I need any particular skills or experience?

No skills or experience needed

This course has no requirements; it is for anyone who would enjoy extending his or her understanding of the work of F. Scott Fitzgerald.

By the end of the course I should be able to:

Describe the shifting cultural climate of American writing between the wars.

Identify the long composition of Tender is the Night and recognise its effect upon Scott Fitzgerald's contemporary reputation.

Extend and develop my reading of American Literature.

How will I be taught?

The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning

You may be asked to undertake additional work in your own time to support your learning

The class will be founded in reading and discussion.

What kind of feedback can I expect?

You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor

You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning

You will measure your own progress in discussion with other members of the group and you will reflect on your own learning by means of the WEA's student learning record.

What else do I need to know?

It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)

Nothing is essential; a notebook is always useful.

Pre-course work, reading and information sources

No pre reading or pre course work is required

We shall discuss a range of F.Scott Fitzgerald's writing. But if you wish to do a little reading in advance, I would recommend Tender is the Night.

As a registered charity, and to meet our funders’ requirements, we need to check a few things with you before you book. Please could we ask that you check the list below to ensure you meet our basic criteria:

You are paying the standard fee (with a credit or debit card) or you are on any of the qualifying benefits

You have a valid email address so that you can receive confirmation of your booking